In late 2021, Leicester Cathedral closed its doors for an extended period or refurbishment. The project would involve improving the interior of the Cathedral including adding heating, levelling the floor, updating the lighting and repainting the roof. In addition, the old song school was demolished to make way for a new multi-purpose space called “Leicester revealed”. Thus, for a period of 22 months, Sunday morning services moved from the Cathedral building to St Martin’s house next door, and evensong rotated between different churches throughout the county.

Fortunately for the Cathedral band and friends, the tower was largely unaffected meaning that ringing could continue throughout the project: both for weekly practices and Sunday morning ringing, welcoming worshipers to St Martin’s house.

As we entered the closed period, we were excited about the prospect of fewer services to avoid when planning extra ringing. However, we had not considered some of the drawbacks of practising in an empty building for nearly two years. In the absence of heating, the winter months were cold, and we had to resort to plugging in portable heaters to generate some warmth. There was also one Sunday when the electricity was switched off and we had to ring in the morning gloom!

With the reopening in November 2023, we have noticed the Cathedral coming back to life. There are lights on downstairs, and the ringing chamber is warmer now. We also hear the faint rumble of the organ during service ringing – an unfamiliar sound after such a long period.

The ringing chamber has also been updated during the refurbishment. We have new lights and the electric wiring has been replaced (no more heaters hanging from wires on the wall!). There is a smoke extractor for the tower, and we are waiting for the bottom entrance door to be replaced with something that is easier to open and close.

The Cathedral are planning a celebration when the second phase of building – the multi-purpose space is completed next year. There is a rumour that it will involve an installation based upon bells – more information will be release soon!

We are grateful that we could ring for services throughout the last two years, providing an aural reminder that the work of the Cathedral continued despite the building being closed. We received many positive comments from the clergy and congregation, and a box of chocolates from the new Dean as well! We are now looking forward to the opening celebrations next year.

Will Norton

The following is taken with permission from the Leicester Cathedral Website:
https://leicestercathedral.org/news/2023/11/cathedral-reopen

The Leicester Cathedral Revealed project, which has been two years in the making, will unveil a transformed and revitalised Leicester Cathedral – with developments including a fully accessible and environmentally friendly heated limestone floor, and a stunning redecoration which enhances the natural beauty of the building’s interior. The final phase of the project will see the opening of a Heritage and Learning Centre joined to the Cathedral in late summer 2024. It will house an interactive exhibition space, a dedicated learning and community area, as well as toilet facilities.

Robyn Llewellyn, Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said:

“We are incredibly pleased by the re-opening of Leicester Cathedral, after a significant investment of over £6.3 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, visitors from far and wide will be able to visit the Cathedral and see the fantastic conservation work and improvements that have been undertaken. We are also looking forward to discovering the fascinating stories of the cathedral’s history, along with the heritage of the city and its people in late summer 2024 when the Heritage Learning Centre is due to open.

Leicester has recently been chosen as one of our inaugural nine Heritage Places, part of our pioneering 10-year investment initiative. We believe that projects such as Leicester Cathedral Revealed and working at scale in an area can deliver profound impact for its local community, visitors and economy.”

The Revd Canon Karen Rooms, Acting Dean of Leicester, said:

“We look forward to welcoming people to discover or rediscover our magnificent Cathedral. We have been able to create a space fit for our tens of thousands of visitors and worshippers – and for King Richard III. The support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and other donors has allowed us to undertake this ‘once in a century’ redevelopment.

We chose the word ‘revealed’ for our project as it speaks to us of the industrial prosperity of the Victorian period – which the Cathedral reveals as a living story told in stone, fabric and glass. It tells of the pioneering spirit of reform – applauded by the church and exemplified by the Arts & Crafts movement. And it celebrates the convening power of the Cathedral – to reveal the Christian message and to promote compassion and peace in a city and county where all religions are respected.

We are restoring and renewing Leicester Cathedral so that it can be its very best as a place of worship, heritage, pilgrimage, hospitality, learning, sanctuary, and celebration.”